Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  New 2009 Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rpw - August 18 - 1:00 am

  Just got my new 2009 Fit Sport. So far so good. Fun to drive, great MPG. Some cheap looking stuff inside car.

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  Big Mistake - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sabs636 - August 17 - 5:06 pm

  I fell in love with the new design. It looks great and drives well. I purchased the 4-door EX-L model in a manual transmission. I did a large amount of research before purchasing this car and found that it was really the best car for the price. All of this to say, I am extremely disappointed in my vehicle purchase. Apparently I should have done some more research. The squealing brakes after less than 5000 kms are completely unacceptable. I would never recommend purchasing the 08/09 models to anyone. Honda has disappointed so many people by creating, marketing and selling such a product. Do not buy this vehicle until Honda decides to issue a recall & fix this problem.

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  Solid SUV but needs more horsepower - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Thomas - August 15 - 10:43 pm

  This SUV has great style both inside and out. This a a great car if you have one or two kids and the dog. Its actually less than advertised in the city and pertty good in the hwy. I just think it really lacks on pick up. It needs more power. Would have been great in a V6.

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  Wow, better than a WRX!!!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dayton - August 15 - 2:03 pm

  The shifter is really nice and the feel of the shift engagements are superb, even for a cable shifter linkage. Almost as nice as my friends S2000, which has direct mechanical linkage. The handling is very neutral, and the OEM Michelin tires feel as grippy as the Kumhos Ecsta 712s on my previous WRX. At least, the handling is very similar if not better, than the mentioned WRX. To me, it feels like there is morepower at mid RPM than WOT.

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  How Could This Be? - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Chung - August 15 - 2:00 pm

  I bought my CRV brand new and have always driven it very gently. From day 1, I noticed there is significant wind noise and road noise. I didnt think much of it at first, but then other mysterious noises began to show. I cant get the dealer to figure out where a rattling sound is coming from whenever I drive on rough surfaces. Then there is this high pitch whining noise that is very noticeable when the car is going 40-55mph. They say its a normal sound from the transmission. I dont believe it because it wasnt there for the first 4 years. And now the car averages 16 mpg. I know there are just annoying problems but they really reduce my enjoyment of driving this Honda.

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  Great but not without flaws - 2009 Honda Element
  By jack31 - August 15 - 12:07 pm

  Overall great car have had no problems getting the kids in and out of the back (one in car seat), maneuvers nicely and has plenty of power though is no race car. Gas mileage is around 23.5mpg city. Functionality of the vehicle is nice. The interior room is fantastic even for tall people like me (63"). Here are the bad points for me as a passenger I am quite comfortable however driving is another story. I cant seem to get into a truly comfortable position drivers seat adjusted too low hurts hips, too high cant see traffic lights, telescoping steering wheel would help also. Im thin and seat could use more cushion. Wife loves car and its hers so its ok. Road noise can be LOUD.

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  NH CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SnakeBelly - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Decent vehicle, reasonably priced, good mpg, nice features, comfortable and roomy with plenty of config options. Opted for the LX over the EX as I dont need a window in my roof to rob head room (and / or leak). Ummmm, dont expect to be crashing thru snowbanks and driving unplowed roads at 60mph in this vehicle - never been stuck but the car has a tendency to fishtail on icy/snow conditions (face it kids, this doesnt happen that often so dont rule the CR-V out just because of my comment -- AWD is not an excuse for lack of intelligent driving).

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  ideal minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjabbar - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is very comfortable, convenient, easy to drive, roomy, and powerful minivan. Kids love this car because they can get in and buckle up themself and have plenty of space for their toys etc.

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  2002 Odyssey - Happy the 2nd time - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By HappyLs - August 15 - 10:00 am

  After months on shopping for a reasonable price, finally purchased a 2002 Odyssey EX (NEW). On the way home, the engine light came on, returned to the dealer the next day and was told the transmission needed to be replaced. After frustrating discussions with the Dealer, eventually got a refund and refused to purchase from them again. Purchased another Odyssey online from a Dealer over 100 miles away and took delivery within 24 hours of purchase. LOVE this 2nd Odyssey with the EXCEPTION of a LOUD shifting noise it makes when you first start up the engine. Havent read anyone else with this problem. Currently have a dealer looking into this.

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  Very nice car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Wendy - August 14 - 9:46 am

  We have not owned this car very long, but my husband and I both love it and love to drive it. I love the look, and it is a lot of fun to drive!!